Don't Pass Judgement on Clemson's Offense Yet

Saturday's Orange and White Spring Game was disappointing from an offensive perspective, but the offense was missing a key element.

When you haven't watched your favorite team play football in over three months, it can become easy to get overly excited about a glorified scrimmage. Fans around the country flocked to their favorite school's stadiums to catch their first glimpse at the new version of the team and their final live action until the team takes the field in September. It is, however, important to remember that it is just a scrimmage and hardly ever represents what you'll truly see from a team come the fall.

After watching anemic offense for the past couple of seasons, Clemson fans were hoping to see flash and pop from new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley's system. Instead, they endured clunky quarterback play, offensive line mishaps, 11 punts, and 4 interceptions. Not exactly the explosive, fast-paced system they were hoping for.

Christopher Vizzina hands the football off to Domonique Thomas during Clemson's Orange and White Game (Clemson Athletics)

With that said, you have to take multiple factors into account. First off, this group has been working with Garrett Riley for just a few weeks. They're in the infancy of this offense. Secondly, it was a scrimmage, and that means the quarterbacks were playing a different game from everyone else, being called down if they just got touched. Dabo Swinney aptly referred to the condition as "purple jersey syndrome". Quarterbacks know they can't get hit, so they hold on to the ball for longer, but maybe, even more, hampering their game was the fact they couldn't run the football.

The offense was playing the game with one hand tied behind its back. Riley's system is one that relies on a quarterback's ability to extend plays with his legs and be a part of the run game. Go watch Max Duggan's performance in the Big 12 Championship against Kansas State. They were basically playing at 50% capacity and the defense knew it. Come this fall, when defenses have to account for Cade Klubnik's arm AND legs, you'll see a complete offense. 

Watch our Spring Game Film Review Here: Clemson Spring Game Film Breakdown